Penny For Your TV Thoughts?: Gotham S3 Ep. 4 Thoughts

"New Day Rising"

This week's episode of Gotham was a delightful reminder of how carefully handled some of the characters and storytelling elements are being carried along throughout the series. With the Mad Hatter being one of the most enjoyable components of the new season so far, let's dive into what makes this episode one of the more fascinating entries in the entire series.

The Power of the Hatter

One of the best parts of Gotham in general as far as characters go are the few moments where we get to see the ripple effect that a villain has created throughout the series via character transformations or the city itself adapting to the situation. For example, the idea that Jerome's death eventually created a cult dedicated to his spotlight persona was a great addition to the show and a nice implication of how much influence a powerful criminal can have in this universe. This is where Jervis Tetch fits in perfectly as we get to see arguably the best use of this writing mechanic so far being that his abilities essentially revolves around other characters being affected by his presence.

Through various uses of sound and the emotional reactions of Alice whenever Jervis is either mentioned or present, this episode does an amazing job at showing the absolute power that the Mad Hatter holds just by his hypnotizing words and the utilization of a ticking pocket watch. The scene where Jim becomes fully under the Hatter's influence in an attempt to commit suicide just by the simple ticking sound of a cross walk sign followed by a vehicle speaker system nearby was not only genius in concept but beautifully executed. This scene alone showed that the Hatter's powerful presence is constantly eating away at his victim despite where he may be during that particular situation once something specific is being triggered.

In this episode, we learn that Jervis's control isn't permanent unless he was able to crack something deep within his prey's subconscious as he did with Alice. In this case, we learn that Jervis triggered an impulse within Jim forcing him to become a prisoner in his own skin as a result of his emotional ties with Lee and his desire to escape (hence the suicidal direction). One of my favorite parts of the Batman universe were the moments where a villain would be utilized to bring out something profound within Batman himself and it looks like Gotham is honoring that concept here strongly with the Jervis and Gordon connection.

Yes, we're already closely familiar with Gordon's history of bad relationships and overall struggle of morality at times, but it's only through Jervis that we learn just how deep that cut travels within him making his acts of commuting suicide a visual message of his inner pain. The scene where Gordon fights and eventually overcomes his trance by shooting Jervis's metronome is another visual message showing him finally face some form of acceptance in his life. I have always praised Gotham for their use of visual storytelling and this is episode is definitely no exception where Gordon's psychological battles are concerned.

The Tragedy and Significance of Alice

So far, everything revolving around the Mad Hatter has ranked him up as one of the best villains in the entire series so far in my opinion. One of the key components to this character's uniqueness isn't just in his presentation but his twisted relationship with his sister, Alice. We learn in this episode that Alice was tortured by her own brother as a child via hypnosis with the implication of possible incestuous thoughts being the center of his attacks. Not only did this add an even darker cloud of crazy to Jervis, but also a more tragic and sympathetic look into the life of Alice before she makes her own life ending exit from his control. It is through her scenes explaining the way Jervis exploits one's inner conflicts and desires to take control that I realized just how significant her role was on the show.

I'm not entirely sure if we've ever had a character like this so far in the series as she's basically used as a constant visual reminder of how horrific and dominant the villain is through personal stories, explanations, and emotional reactions to his presence. The Alice character is the perfect tool for audiences to get the full picture of the Mad Hatter without him ever having to stereotypically monologue his motivations which is refreshing to see. What I also admired was the way in which Jervis bizarrely makes his sister out to be the only thing keeping him stable in life while at the same time using her blood for his grander schemes of domination. There's just something striking about a character with absolutely no signs of redemption making him an even more dangerous obstacle for the heroes to overcome.

Subject 514A

Ever since the "Bruce Wayne doppelgänger" story arc was introduced, I kept wondering to myself exactly where the series would take it and significant it would be in the long run. Although the ending of the episode does give a pretty clear implication of where his character might go in the future of the season, I was actually pretty surprised to see how much time was spent on him venturing out with Selena Kyle and observing the world around him. It was a bit unnerving seeing a complete copy of someone interact with that individual's close friend before the reveal eventually happens. We also get another tease of his mysteriously skilled fighting ability and insensitivity to pain as he rescues Selena Kyle from getting tortured at a bar.

What I liked about this subplot was not only the fact that we're essentially witnessing this character grow into his own being with personal motivations revealed while, interestingly enough, stealing the identity and life of one of our central characters, but we also get a nice wink into Selena's tight bond with Bruce. The fact that she calls him out as being someone else while at the same time going along with it afterwards was a pretty interesting look at the type of relationship that the two have built together. When Bruce wonders about the nature of Selena's kiss with Subject 514A while we as an audience knows that she probably enjoyed having a more "badass" version of Bruce kinda winks at traditional Batman/Catwoman lore. There always seems to be a twisted chemistry between the two usually angling around Selena desiring to bring out the darkness inside of Bruce.

Penguin As "Mayor of Gotham"

Not the most interesting part of the episode, but I did get a kick out of seeing Oswald Cobblepot being shown in a different kind of spotlight moving away from the criminally insane image that he's known for. There's something strangely refreshing about seeing one of Gotham's biggest criminals being presented as the city's new hero. Although never see him actually putting his new power to use (aside from making Nygma his Commander in Chief), I'm actually intrigued to see what angle they'll take with his character especially now that he's legitimately loved by the people. I found it interesting when Nygma showed him that the city didn't have to be paid in order to follow behind him considering that the Penguin has always been someone fighting for recognition and power through illegal and extreme ways.

This is a prime example of the writers knowing how to push the series forward in interesting and surprising angles. Characters and story lines truly feel as though they're progressing somewhere down the line and this season so far has continued to show this direction being taken. As I said in the previous episode review, it's pretty fascinating when you consider just how completely different this character is shown now compared to the first season when he tossed around by every mob boss in town.

Overall Thoughts

Following the Mad Hatter story arc from the previous episode, I've really been enjoying what the new season has brought so far with its new additions to the cast. The performances in this episode were great all around (with a well deserved spotlight on both Naian González Norvind and Benedict Samuel as Alice and Jervis Tetch). I'm curious to see just how far along the season will this Mad Hatter arc continue as significant villains usually get a two-episode run as shown in the past with an eventual return later on. I do hope that we see Jervis in the future as he is currently one of the bigger highlights of the season.

Gotham has proven yet again that there will always be something worth getting invested into here which is a major accomplishment for any series to be able to say. I look forward to the next episode with eager eyes and an open mind that the series will continue to move forward on its current path to success.

Bonus Content

1. The Mad Hatter Strikes Again

Gotham has done a magnificent job at portraying the threat level of the Mad Hatter and this episode continues that route with a scene of him forcing someone to stage themselves in front of him in order to get pummeled to death. It's pretty brutal actually.

2. Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum

Another great example of the writers adapting some of the more unpopular Batman villains in ways that perfectly fits the tone of the series. As a Batman fan myself, I've always found the more obscure characters adapted from the comics as being the most interesting ones to look out for in which Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum definitely falls under.

3. Harvey's Interrogation Methods

It's always a pleasure to see Harvey getting answers in his own unique and comedic ways. Threatening to burn a luchadores' mask is probably the most inventive one yet.

4. Jim & Lee's Future

Definitely one of the more dramatic and emotional moments of the episode (aside from the scenes with Alice) is where we get to see Jim finally confronting his situation with Lee and eventually coming to terms with reality. I'm usually not one for relationship stories in live action comic book properties, but I will say that I've enjoyed the way they've been handling Gordon and Lee's so far. The performances have been stellar.

5. The Court of Owls Obtains Subject 514A

Perhaps not the most surprising moment of the episode if you've been following along the intentions of the organization, it was pretty cool seeing them kidnap him as if acquiring a new tool to their arsenal. I've also been enjoying the brief moments that we get to see the Talon in action. Fingers crossed for some more Talon scenes in the near future.

6. Is Barnes Targeted For Death This Season?

During Season 2, we were given a tease of Gordon becoming captain of the GCPD once Barnes is "out of the picture", but it looks like we're finally edging closer to seeing that become a reality sooner than later. I'm not entirely sure what to expect with Barnes being poisoned, but I have a feeling that a new captain will be revealed before the season is over. Just look at that face.

7. Alice In Wonderland Visual Cues